5 cool low-key romantic (and not-at-all corny) spots for a Valentine’s date
It’s a day for big romantic gestures.
Every year, our Instagram feeds are filled with images of huge floral Valentine’s Day bouquets, chocolates go lór and lovey-dovey couples getting engaged on fancy weekend breaks.
For the rest of us, Valentine’s Day is most romantic when the celebrations are a little more low-key.
Happily, Cork’s delightful selection of small and candlelit bars and snugs mean there are plenty of lovely spots for a fuss-less night out with your other half.
Here are five low-key spots to take your Valentine’s date:
1. Pigalle
Everyone knows Pigalle for their wonderfully inventive cocktails, but they also have a fantastic food menu bursting with adventurous dishes such as the Sea Food Tom Kha or the Roast Cauliflower with chickpea panisse.
Soft lighting, a heated beer garden and cosy booths make Pigalle is a perfect romantic spot to bring your love.
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2. Aye
Aye has an air of no-fuss but plenty of detail about it and is another spot with a colourful selection of cocktails. Take your love to Bottomless Brunch on Saturday or a smokey cocktail on Sunday and order yourselves some jackfruit tacos or Gambas Pil Pil Skewers from their sharing menu.
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3. Upstairs
Everyone knows how much we enjoy a good teacup. We love Upstairs for its cosy interiors, traditional wooden seats, and fancy cup cocktails.
Head here after dinner for a whiskey sour, this week’s special ‘The Back & Beyonds’ (dark rum and vermouth topped off with homemade Ginseng & Honey Syrup) or just a good ‘ol pint of Beam.
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4. The Raven
The Raven is a bustling gastropub but it’s also seriously moody. We are big fans of the darkness in this bar, with its jet black walls and sultry red lighting – it’s a fantastic date spot.
They have an excellent selection of wine so it’s a good place to bring an oenophile for a casual drink or two.
For details on their food menu, cocktail menu and barrels of wine, visit their site here.
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5. Goldberg’s
If you’ve got kids and can’t find a babysitter for the night or you fancy doing something on your own time, treat your Valentine to a tasty brunch at Goldberg’s.
Their pancakes covered in bacon covered in maple syrup are scrumptiously sweet and perfect to share for the day that’s in it.
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